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Iverson goes for 60 in win

Orlando's Grant Hill, left, defends as Philadelphia's Allen Iverson soars toward his 60-point effort. (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)
Associated Press
Orlando's Grant Hill, left, defends as Philadelphia's Allen Iverson soars toward his 60-point effort. (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)

There wasn’t much left for Allen Iverson to do late in the game but break his record and finish with a career-high 60 points.

He had already crushed the Orlando Magic’s spirits sometime after tip-off, when the visitors couldn’t match his intensity.

Iverson represents passion as much as he does points, and the Magic didn’t have enough of either in a 112-99 loss to the Philadelphia Sixers on Saturday night at Philadelphia.

Magic coach Johnny Davis sat starters Grant Hill, Doug Christy and Kelvin Cato and reserve center Tony Battie for the fourth quarter, and watched reserves finally show enough fire to cut a Sixers’ lead that had grown to 25 to nine with less than 6 minutes left.

Iverson’s previous career high was 58 points. He hit two free throws with 1:07 left to become the first NBA player since Tracy McGrady to score 60 points in a game. McGrady scored 62 for the Magic last March 10, against the Washington Wizards.

Iverson also invoked the name of Sixers legend Wilt Chamberlain, becoming the first Sixer since Wilt the Stilt to hit 60. Chamblerlain scored 68 points on Dec. 16, 1968. Iverson also tied one of Wilt’s records by making 24 free throws.

“I haven’t had a chance to soak it all in yet,” Iverson said. “Probably when I look at the highlights, watch TV, I’ll probably get the full effect of it. But it feels good knowing we won the basketball game. That’s the most important thing. I score a career high and we win the game.

Bucks 113, Hawks 83: Desmond Mason scored 23 points and Mike James added 18 as Milwaukee won for the third straight time and handed Atlanta its 14th straight road loss.

Pistons 107, Wizards 86: At Auburn Hills, Mich., Chauncey Billups scored 21 points to help Detroit snap Washington’s four-game winning streak.

Bryant practices, could play against Cavs

Kobe Bryant practiced for the first time in four days, and could play for the Los Angeles Lakers against Cleveland today.

Bryant participated in the whole practice and moved “pretty well” on his severely sprained right ankle, Lakers spokesman John Black said.

Bryant told team officials he was about 75 percent.

The NBA’s second-leading scorer with a 27.5 average, Bryant injured his ankle in a 98-94 victory over Cleveland on Jan. 13. He has missed 14 games.

Ex-Hawks standout Hudson suffers stroke

Lou Hudson, one of three Atlanta Hawks players to have their numbers retired, has suffered a stroke, team spokesman Arthur Triche said.

The 60-year-old Hudson lives in Park City, Utah, near Salt Lake City. A six-time NBA All-Star, Hudson was a 1966 first-round draft pick of the St. Louis Hawks, who later moved to Atlanta.